7 in 10 tourist rentals in catalonia are illegal

Photo: Delphine Gimbert

Catalonia's regional government, The Generalitat, has started legal proceedings against over one thousand rental properties that do not comply with official regulations.

The number of tourist rentals is on the up, as holiday homes become an increasingly popular option among investors. Indeed, there were 27,000 beds registered at the start of 2013, reports Spanish Property Insight; that number has now soared to 150,000. Owners have to register with their local town hall for a tourist lettings permit and are then issued a registration number.

Despite the growth in official rental properties, though, The Generalitat estimates that private rentals in the area account for 500,000 beds, which means that 70 per cent are not registered and are therefore illegal.

Authorities are now reportedly checking websites advertising tourist rentals and require all owners to include their registration number in adverts. 75 companies are already being investigated, while The Generalitat is now turning to landlords, with legal proceedings reportedly started against the owners of 1,347  properties. Fines for illegal rents start at €3,000 and can go up to €30,000.